Page 26 THE EVERETT ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 10, 2021 State health officials announce two new human cases of West Nile virus T he state Department of Public Health (DPH) recently announced two new human cases of West Nile virus (WNV) in the state this year. Both individuals are male, one in his 50s and the other in his 70s, and both were exposed to WNV in Middlesex County. On September 1, DPH announced that the first human case of WNV identified in Massachusetts this year was likely exposed in Middlesex County. The Greater Boston area and several towns in Bristol and Worcester counties are at moderate risk for WNV. There have been no deaths this year associated with WNV. Based on the human cases, recent increases in WNV findings in mosquitoes, and weather favorable for mosquito activity, the WNV risk level of an additional 38 communities is being raised from low to moderate. These communities are Beverly, Danvers, Lynn, Marblehead, Middleton, Nahant, Peabody, Salem, Saugus, Swampscott and Wenham in Essex County; Agawam, Chicopee, East Longmeadow, Longmeadow, Springfield and West Springfield in Hampden County; Bedford, Billerica, Burlington, Carlisle, Lexington, Lincoln, Natick, North Reading, Reading, Sudbury, Wayland, Weston and Wilmington in Middlesex County; Dedham, Needham and Wellesley in Norfolk County; Chelsea, Revere and Winthrop in Suffolk County; and Grafton and Upton in Worcester County. “These are the second and third human cases of West Nile virus infection in Massachusetts this year and we are seeing significant expansion of virus activity in mosquitoes,” said Acting Public Health Commissioner Margret Cooke. “Risk from West Nile virus will continue until the first hard frost. As we enjoy the unofficial last weekend of summer and then head back to school and work, it is important for people to remember to continue to take steps to avoid mosquito bites.” In 2020, there were five human cases of WNV infection identified in Massachusetts. WNV is usually transmitted to humans through the bite of an infected mosquito. While WNV can infect people of all ages, people over the age of 50 are at higher risk for severe disease. Most people infected with WNV will have no symptoms. When present, WNV symptoms tend to include fever and flu-like illness. In rare cases, more severe illness can occur. People have an important role to play in protecting themselves and their loved ones from illnesses caused by mosquitoes. Avoid mosquito bites Apply insect repellent when outdoors. Use a repellent with DEET, permethrin, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus or IR3535 according to the product label. DEET products should not be used on infants under two months of age and should be used in concentrations of 30 percent or less on older children. Oil of lemon eucalyptus should not be used on children under three years of age. Be aware of peak mosquito Tomatina Buñol in Spain? 8. Who starred in “Million Dollar Mermaid,” “Dangerous When Wet” and “Bathing Beauty”? 9. On Sept. 5, 1882, the 1. On Sept. 3, 1783, what war ended? 2. The Museum of Broken Relationships, which is in Croatia, has an outpost in what locale known as Tinseltown? 3. What is reportedly the most popular pizza topping? 4. What trains have experienced a sales jump during the pandemic? 5. September 4 is World Beard Day; in 1860 what candidate was advised to “let your whiskers grow” so he could get more votes for U.S. president? 6. What are the “Three Rs” of education? 7. What kind of event is La first U.S. Labor Day parade was held in what city? 10. In what Boston neighborhood is there a 10 foot wide, 1800s house? 11. What sports player has been nicknamed King James? 12. On Sept. 6, 1628, the Puritans first settled Salem after sailing from England in what month: June, July or August? 13. What book has the subtitle “or There and Back Again”? 14. On Sept. 7, 1921, the “Inner-City Beauty” paghours. The hours from dusk to dawn are peak biting times for many mosquitoes. Consider rescheduling outdoor activities that occur during evening or early morning. Clothing can help reduce mosquito bites. Wear longsleeves, long pants, and socks when outdoors to help keep mosquitoes away from your skin. Mosquito-proof your home Drain standing water. Mosquitoes lay their eggs in standing water. Limit the number of places around your home for mosquitoes to breed in by either draining or discarding items that hold water. Check rain gutters and drains. Empty any unused flowerpots and wading pools, and change the water in birdbaths frequently. Install or repair screens. Keep mosquitoes outside by having tightly fitting screens on all of your windows and doors. Protect your animals Animal owners should reduce potential mosquito eant (A newspaperman called the winner Miss America, which the pageant was later called) was held in what beach city? 15. Which month is Be Kind to Writers and Editors Month, which was established by Lone Star Publishing? 16. Which state is the Cornhusker State? 17. On Sept. 8, 1945, the division of what country began? 18. Where in the world would you find a delta? 19. What are the three Olympic triathlon sports? 20. On Sept. 9, 1843, Nancy Johnson received a patent for what invention with a dasher? breeding sites on their property by eliminating standing water from containers, such as buckets, tires and wading pools – especially after heavy rains. Water troughs should be flushed out to reduce mosquitoes near paddock areas. Horse owners should keep horses in indoor stalls at night to reduce their risk of exposure to mosquitoes. Animal owners should also speak with a veterinarian about mosquito repellents approved for use in animals and vaccinations to prevent WNV and Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE). If an animal is diagnosed with WNV or EEE, its owner is required to report to the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources’ Division of Animal Health by calling 617-626-1795 and to DPH by calling 617-9836800. More information, including all WNV and EEE–positive results, can be found on the Arbovirus Surveillance Information web page at www.mass. gov/dph/mosquito or by calling the DPH Epidemiology Program at 617-983-6800. ANSWERS LIKE US ON FACEBOOK ADVOCATE NEWSPAPER FACEBOOK.COM/ADVOCATE.NEWS.MA 1. The American Revolution 2. Hollywood 3. Pepperoni 4. Model trains 5. Abraham Lincoln 6. Reading, Writing and Arithmetic 7. A tomato throwing festival 8. Competitive swimmer/actress Esther Williams 9. NYC 10. The North End (44 Hull St.) 11. LeBron James 12. June 13. “The Hobbit” 14. Atlantic City 15. September 16. Nebraska 17. Korea 18. At the mouth of a river 19. Cycling, running and swimming 20. An ice cream churn (It helped shorten a labor-intensive process, making ice cream more affordable.)
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